Tips for the High Maintenance Girlfriend

[CornMan]

If she is truly high maintenance, you'll need to bring the following items:

aluminum foil
antibiotic cream
antiseptic wipes
aspirin, Aleve
awnings/shades
baby powder
baby wipes
backpack
bandages
bathing soap
battery charger
bed sheets
bee sting kit
beer/wine
bikes/helmets
binoculars
bird guide
blankets
board/card games
book
broom
broth for gravy
brown sugar
bucket
bug spray
bug spray
bungee cords
burn ointment
butane lighter
calculator
camera/Video
camp lantern(s)
camp shoes
camp stove
camp stove table
can opener
can/bottle coolers
can/bottle openers
candles
canned foods
canteen
cards, games
cb radio
CD Player
CDs
cell phone
cell phone charger
chairs
charcoal
charcoal chimney
citronella candles
cleaning Items
clothes pins
coffee pot
coffee/tea
collapsible coffee cup
collapsible garbage can
comb/brush
comforter
compass
cooking oil
cooking utensils
cooler
cork screw
corn on the cob holders
cots
cotton swabs
creamer
crimp tool
cutting board
dehydrated spices
deodorant
detergent
dish pan
dish rags
dishwashing pan
dishwashing soap
drinking water
dry cell batteries
dry foods
duct tape
dust pan
dust pan
Egg beater
elastic wrap
electric Multi-meter
engine oil
environmental soap
extra buttons
extra spare and Jack
eye wash
fillet knife
fire grill
fire starter
first aid kit
Fix-a-Flat
flashlight
flour
folding table
food
food bags
fresh vegetables
frisbee
fuel filter (extra)
gas Cans
Gorilla tape
GPS
GPS Receiver
hack saw
hair brush
hammer
hammock
hand crank blender
hand wipes
hand-held mirror
hat/cap
headband led lamp
heavy jacket
herbs and spices
hot dog sticks
hydrogen peroxide
ice
ice chest
insect collection receptacle
insulated wire
JB weld
jeans/pants
Jiffy Pop popcorn
jumper cables
kite string
kites
knife
knife sharpener
lantern
Lantern fuel
lantern mantles
laptop computer
laser pointer
latex gloves
laundry bag
lawn rake
led flashlight/headband
light jacket
lip balm
liquor
long pants
long sleeve shirts
magnifying glass
mantels
maps
masking tape
matches
matches/lighter
measuring cups
measuring cups
medical tape
medications
memory cards
mess kit
moisturizing lotion
mosquito net
musical instruments
nail clippers
nails/screws
napkins
net
Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS charger
octane booster
outdoor table(s)
pain killers
paper plates
paper plates/bowls
paper towels
paper towels
passports
pen and paper
personal medication
pillow cases
pillows
plant guide
plastic bags
plastic cups
plastic cups
plastic silverware
plastic trash bags
pliers
pot holders
pot scrubber
potato peeler
pots and pans
propane
propane canister refill adapter
propane fridge
propane hoses
prophylactics
pry bar
radiator coolant
radio
rain poncho
razor
reading material
recreational medication
reference material
road flares
rope/twine
rubber bands (to tie hair)
safety pins
salt and pepper
sandals/flip-flops
saw
scissors
screen room
sempura batter
sewing kit
shoes/boots
short sleeve shirts
shorts
shovel
shower bag
silverware
sinus medications
sleeping bag
sleeping bags
sleeping pad
small baseball bat
smoker
snake bite kit
sporting goods (football etc.)
soap
socks
sodas
solar panel
solder
soldering iron
solder-less terminals
soy sauce
spare fuel pump
spare fuses
splinting materials
stakes
star Maps
starter fluid
sterile gauze
stun gun
sun block
sunburn lotion
sunglasses
sweater
swim suit
swimming trunks
table cloth
tarp
telescope
tent/tent stakes
thermometer, body
thermometer, Ext.
throw rug pillow
tie downs/straps
tire air pump
toilet paper
tongs
tongs and spatula
tool set (complete)
tools
tooth brush
tooth paste
toothbrush
toothpicks
towel(s)
Towels
trash bags
travel alarm clock
t-shirts
tweezers
umbrella
underwear
vitamins
wash rag(s)
washrags
water
water filters
water floats
water purifier/tablets
water Sox
WD40
weights for fishing
wet wipes
wetsuits
whisk broom
whistle
window cleaner
work gloves
wristwatch
writing tablet
yeast
zip lock bags
zip ties

[Skankest]

I never step foot on the playa without my wetsuit, small baseball bat, and magnifying glass!

[Savannah]

You left out lotion.

[maladroit]

You left out lotion.

It's under "M" for "moisturizing".

[Savannah]

You left out lotion.

It's under "M" for "moisturizing".

Ohhhh . . .

As opposed to the all the non-moisturizing varieties.

. . . I'm going to go from camp to camp with a pump bottle of Moisturizing Lotion, but the magic word will indeed be moisturizing. If no one says it back to me, I'll pretend the crystals I'm wearing (in this scenario) have told me that the dry person's chakras are not ready to receive.

But if they really roll the word around, they get TWO squirts.

[nilasnake]

is the stun gun for her or him?

[otakup0pe]

is the stun gun for her or him?

Can't it be both ?

[Elderberry]

Where did you get the list of my personal comfort items for the playa? Though you left a few things off.

If she is truly high maintenance, you'll need to bring the following items:

aluminum foil
antibiotic cream
antiseptic wipes
aspirin, Aleve
awnings/shades
baby powder
baby wipes
backpack
bandages
bathing soap
battery charger
bed sheets
bee sting kit
beer/wine
bikes/helmets
binoculars
bird guide
blankets
board/card games
book
broom
broth for gravy
brown sugar
bucket
bug spray
bug spray
bungee cords
burn ointment
butane lighter
calculator
camera/Video
camp lantern(s)
camp shoes
camp stove
camp stove table
can opener
can/bottle coolers
can/bottle openers
candles
canned foods
canteen
cards, games
cb radio
CD Player
CDs
cell phone
cell phone charger
chairs
charcoal
charcoal chimney
citronella candles
cleaning Items
clothes pins
coffee pot
coffee/tea
collapsible coffee cup
collapsible garbage can
comb/brush
comforter
compass
cooking oil
cooking utensils
cooler
cork screw
corn on the cob holders
cots
cotton swabs
creamer
crimp tool
cutting board
dehydrated spices
deodorant
detergent
dish pan
dish rags
dishwashing pan
dishwashing soap
drinking water
dry cell batteries
dry foods
duct tape
dust pan
dust pan
Egg beater
elastic wrap
electric Multi-meter
engine oil
environmental soap
extra buttons
extra spare and Jack
eye wash
fillet knife
fire grill
fire starter
first aid kit
Fix-a-Flat
flashlight
flour
folding table
food
food bags
fresh vegetables
frisbee
fuel filter (extra)
gas Cans
Gorilla tape
GPS
GPS Receiver
hack saw
hair brush
hammer
hammock
hand crank blender
hand wipes
hand-held mirror
hat/cap
headband led lamp
heavy jacket
herbs and spices
hot dog sticks
hydrogen peroxide
ice
ice chest
insect collection receptacle
insulated wire
JB weld
jeans/pants
Jiffy Pop popcorn
jumper cables
kite string
kites
knife
knife sharpener
lantern
Lantern fuel
lantern mantles
laptop computer
laser pointer
latex gloves
laundry bag
lawn rake
led flashlight/headband
light jacket
lip balm
liquor
long pants
long sleeve shirts
magnifying glass
mantels
maps
masking tape
matches
matches/lighter
measuring cups
measuring cups
medical tape
medications
memory cards
mess kit
moisturizing lotion
mosquito net
musical instruments
nail clippers
nails/screws
napkins
net
Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS charger
octane booster
outdoor table(s)
pain killers
paper plates
paper plates/bowls
paper towels
paper towels
passports
pen and paper
personal medication
pillow cases
pillows
plant guide
plastic bags
plastic cups
plastic cups
plastic silverware
plastic trash bags
pliers
pot holders
pot scrubber
potato peeler
pots and pans
propane
propane canister refill adapter
propane fridge
propane hoses
prophylactics
pry bar
radiator coolant
radio
rain poncho
razor
reading material
recreational medication
reference material
road flares
rope/twine
rubber bands (to tie hair)
safety pins
salt and pepper
sandals/flip-flops
saw
scissors
screen room
sempura batter
sewing kit
shoes/boots
short sleeve shirts
shorts
shovel
shower bag
silverware
sinus medications
sleeping bag
sleeping bags
sleeping pad
small baseball bat
smoker
snake bite kit
sporting goods (football etc.)
soap
socks
sodas
solar panel
solder
soldering iron
solder-less terminals
soy sauce
spare fuel pump
spare fuses
splinting materials
stakes
star Maps
starter fluid
sterile gauze
stun gun
sun block
sunburn lotion
sunglasses
sweater
swim suit
swimming trunks
table cloth
tarp
telescope
tent/tent stakes
thermometer, body
thermometer, Ext.
throw rug pillow
tie downs/straps
tire air pump
toilet paper
tongs
tongs and spatula
tool set (complete)
tools
tooth brush
tooth paste
toothbrush
toothpicks
towel(s)
Towels
trash bags
travel alarm clock
t-shirts
tweezers
umbrella
underwear
vitamins
wash rag(s)
washrags
water
water filters
water floats
water purifier/tablets
water Sox
WD40
weights for fishing
wet wipes
wetsuits
whisk broom
whistle
window cleaner
work gloves
wristwatch
writing tablet
yeast
zip lock bags
zip ties

[tummler]

If my man forgets the corn-on-the-cob holders, it's all over.

[Savannah]

If my man forgets the corn-on-the-cob holders, it's all over.

Seriously.

Pack up your gear and get out.

[AntiM]

But Larry does bring a soldering iron....

[Savannah]

But Larry does bring a soldering iron....

He's such a high maintenance girl . . .

[AntiM]

He really is. He also owns more dresses and stilettos then I do.

[BurnerB]

I suggest CamelBak Hydration pack with minimal "back pack" section making it very light weight, cool goggles and mask and a neat-o hip pouch. No-Rinse Bathing Wipes come in very handy when showers are not as easliy accessable. Also, a surprise BRC Wedding at say, Two Lanterns early in the week will help any Barbie keep her thoughts more towards Ken than the elements any day of the week! Best of Luck but remember, ones participation in The Burn can not determine the temperature of your love - Hugs & Buzzes

[Ugly Dougly]

Two lanterns? Code for something?

[ygmir]

Two lanterns? Code for something?

by sea

[skeive]

Pack treats she doesn't know about. She have a favorite candy, chocolate, etc...? Pack some. Favorite drink, pack some. Favorite cookie, pack some. Etc... You sense her getting frustrated/exhausted/fed up, whip it out like scoobie snacks. I have not taken a lady to the playa but that plan has worked great for my camp mates.

The most critical thing though is probably planning for dust storms. That stuff freaks some people out badly. Invest in a good tent that can shelter them from any dust storm. I would suggest a SpringBar as you can pretty much seal those up like a protective bubble. Wonderful shelter from storm so to speak. I camp with a couple most years, and I think the purchase of the Springbar after the first stressful year is the main reason the lady keeps coming back. It is her safe zone with the playa rises up to swallow the burn.

We camped across from a young couple that was obviously attending burning man for the first time as a couple. There were tears and fighting every single day. Midweek I heard the most devastating phrase ever uttered at Burning Man. The young lady yelled "I would rather be at work!". Felt so sorry for her. Don't let that be your burn.

Skeive

[Ugly Dougly]

Maybe staying home is better than risking being miserable.

[theCryptofishist]

That's your plan, at least, eh Dougly?

[knowmad]

TL,DR all of it but just wanted to offer Skankester a slightly (*cough*) used set of balls I won't be needing anymore.

He really is. He also owns more dresses and stilettos then I do.

Bwhaaaa! maybey I should read this whole thread!

[Aurelia]

My favorite post read ever !
start a lottery please Knowmad

[GreyCoyote]

Warning: extreme thread drift ahead!

[theCryptofishist]

This thread needs drifting.

[knowmad]

OK I read the whole thread and made my self a promise not to hijack this thread and turn it into a debate on Gender Roles and division of labor among the sexes. nor will I make a long rant about Male entitlement and the marginalization of women.


ok, I got nothing...

[Aurelia]

Now you got it !

It is the roll over
xoA.

[Ugly Dougly]

Look, just drop her by my place on the way to the playa. I'll look after her, and you'll be free to carouse at will.
Solved!

[Two-Wheeled-Adventure]

Funny one about ground rules about how much she can bitch, VultureChow. I can just picture myself trying to explain that she has passed the bitch threshold during an argument.

I can suggest what works well when I get in arguments with my girlfriend. The three warnings system. When she going on about something in a totally irrational way, Tell her she's being difficult. If the banter continues tell her she's being very difficult. And just before you've reached your threshold of what ever the situation may be tell her she's being a bitch/cunt or what ever word will strike a cord. It's also noteworthy to mention that when my girlfriend and I started dating I explained to her these "three warnings" and what will occur if it continued. She also uses the "three warnings" on me as well. When it reaches that point I usually walk away before I say something I'll regret. It works 9 out of 10 times in the real world so I figure at burning man it should at least work 50% of the time.

Also ask yourself these two questions. Do you want to be right? Or do you want to be happy? No matter what the situation may be those two questions seem to do the trick. Good luck.

[JuneCat]

1st, you have a really great attitude and sense of humor about this situation.

Burning Man has definitely ended a lot of relationships, even some longer and more committed (kids, marriage, etc) than yours seems to be. That said, if you can survive this and even grow as a couple, then you can go through just about anything.

One thing that might help is to talk through some different scenarios and have some clear plans when shit goes down. Choose a safe word that she can use if she's feeling overwhelmingly stressed/overwhelmed at which point you'll take her back to camp and out of the situation. Have an even stronger safeword that means you guys will leave burning man early if she uses it. Sometimes putting this kind of ultimate power in the hands of the person who feels vulnerable is enough to get them to calm the fuck down, ahem, I mean, feel better about the situation. You have to be willing to earn her trust with this and follow through if/when she asks.

One last tip: If she's feeling overwhelmed, sometimes a nice walk in walk-in camping (take 4 o'clock all the past the city away from the man and go through the gate) is a really nice way to get away from everyone and everything.

Good luck!

[knowmad]

Uggg. just learned about a breakup among some of my clan the personal drama they've created will be dragged out onto the playa, my loyalties are being unfairly challenged and my response. (read; advice to herself)

Srsly. radically include your significant others, even if they are not going to be there, or are moving out of your life; or you will pay, sadly enough so will your friends.

[Supafly_fresh]

Hey Skank,

when it gets out of hand, just come around and we'll sort it all out.

[youtube][/youtube]

Just look for camp "Bad Mother Fucker" and ask for Jules.